Missouri Centers for Independent Living: Executive Director

To Whom It May Concern:

The members of Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL) are actively seeking an appropriate candidate to fill the position of Executive Director of the association.

This is a milestone for MOCIL and is prompted from the demonstrated strength and success of our legislative efforts during 2011. MOCIL has pledged to gain momentum and become a stronger association by hiring our first Executive Director to assist in leading us in a more unified and structured direction. In addition, the Executive Director will also assist us in making a stronger impact in continuing to advance the Independent Living Movement in Missouri.
Attached, you will find a detailed job description which outlines responsibilities and requirements of the position.

Applicants shall submit a personal letter of introduction, resume, and salary expectations in electronic PDF format to Aimee Wehmeier, President at awehmeier@silcolumbia.org no later than December 31, 2011. Resumes shall not be accepted via mail or fax. Individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Job Summary: The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. He/She is responsible for creating organizational stability for MOCIL’s advocacy, educational and policy initiatives. The Executive Director will be responsible for management and oversight of basic functions of the association on a day to day basis. The Executive Director will promote the Independent Living philosophy on a state and national level by support and promoting the association’s approved directives and priorities.

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in administration, rehabilitation, social work, education or a related field, plus two years experience in working with persons with disabilities; OR A bachelor’s degree in administration, rehabilitation, social work, education or a related field and four years of experience in administration and management, and two years experience in service provision to persons with disabilities; OR Having a combination of education and experience in work related to people with disabilities, with one year of experience being equivalent to one year of education.
  
  
• Excellent skills in communication, organization, fiscal administration, staff supervision, program development and implementation and public relations.
  
  
• Personal experience with disability
  
  
• Have an understanding of and adherence to the philosophy of independent living and the disability rights movement.
  
  
• Be able to develop positive relationships with all legislative parties and their staff, the Governor and his staff, and state agency representatives.
  
  
• Be willing and able to take initiative.
  
  
• Be able to work under extreme pressure and always act in a manner that positively reflects on the CILs and MOCIL.

Duties

Administration and Oversight:

• Perform administrative responsibilities such as writing letters, arranging calls, writing reports and attending meetings on behalf of MOCIL.
• Assure appropriate planning and coordination of MOCIL board meetings.
• Represent MOCIL on counsels, committees, commissions, coalitions, etc.
• Provide staff support to MOCIL members serving in various capacities on behalf of the association.
• Track MOCIL committee decisions and monitor task completion.
• Serve as an ad hoc member of MOCIL committees and fill unexpected chair vacancies.
• Coordinate special events.
• Provide fiscal management including budget oversight, financial reporting, and directing financial activities.

Strategic Communications:

• Act as the communications hub for MOCIL by sending frequent email updates and coordinating conference calls as needed.
• Lead in the development of coordinating marketing materials.
• Serve as the lead content strategist for MOCIL’s online properties such as web sites, blogs, Facebook pages, etc.

Fund and Resource Development:

• Lead joint grant writing and resource development opportunities.
• Investigate collective purchasing and vendor contracts under the MOCIL umbrella.
• Supervise and administer a membership structure that will enhance the long term viability and strength of MOCIL.
• Identify unmet needs of the membership and assist in the development of strategies to meet those needs.

Advocacy:

• Organize, lead and support the legislative advocacy efforts of MOCIL.
• Seek opportunities to advance the collective political, public policy and economic interests of MOCIL.
• Provide testimony and attend legislature sessions as needed.
• Gather and maintain information on legislative trends and developments.
• Open up opportunities for MOCIL to sponsor statewide events such as candidate’s forums for statewide office seekers.

Education:

• Gather and maintain information on trends and developments in the IL movement.
• Serve as a voice for the IL movement at the state level.
• Develop and conduct trainings, workshops and presentations promoting the IL movement and the work of Centers across the state.
• Provide training, learning opportunities and mentoring to other disability organizations in other states sharing MOCIL’s experience and expertise to strengthen the movement organizationally in other parts of the country.
• Leadership and Development:
• Serve as a symbol of unity by encouraging cooperation and cohesion among Centers.
• Provide opportunities for members to “belong,” develop social capital, learn and grow as advocates and prove readiness for greater responsibility.
• Actively and intentionally develop the next generation of leaders and workers in the movement.
• Facilitate peer mentoring and staff support at all levels within Centers.